Market Update - May 2026

There’s so much happening in the UK property market right now, making it harder than ever to really understand what’s going on behind the headlines. So where does it leave you as a property investor? Rob & Rob break down the most important property stories of the month, revealing what's really going on beneath the surface. From 700 rental properties being listed each day, to the widening north-south divide, this is a month where the data and the mood couldn't be further apart. (00:55) Why the Bank of England held rates, and what a shock vote for an increase tells us about where things are heading (04:25) The house price numbers that surprised even Rob & Rob (10:42) Rent growth is at its slowest since 2022, so why should landlords expect that to change soon? (15:10) Mortgage rates creeping up despite the base rate not moving – but there’s a smart play you can make right now (17:19) Leasehold reform, Scotland’s tenant-first proposal, and the £400m it’ll take to set up a new tax (21:51) Hub Extra Links mentioned: ⁠Bank of England held rates at 3.75%⁠ ⁠Listen to Rob & Rob’s episode on the silent crash⁠ ⁠Watch Company Retreat on Amazon Prime Video⁠ House prices: ⁠Nationwide’s House Price Index⁠ ⁠Zoopla’s North-South divide widens⁠ ⁠Monthly RICS survey results⁠ Rents: ⁠ONS Price Index of private rents⁠ ⁠Savills: 254,000 former rentals listed for sale in 12 months⁠ ⁠Renting is now cheaper than buying for the first time since June 2025⁠ Mortgages: ⁠Average landlord mortgage rate increases in 3 months⁠ Policy and regulation: ⁠Housing Minister backs off banning new leasehold flats⁠ ⁠SNP pledges renters first refusal to buy when landlords sell⁠ ⁠Mansion tax to cost Treasury £380m to set up⁠ Enjoy the show? Leave us a review on ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ - it really helps others find us! Sign up for our free weekly newsletter, ⁠Property Pulse⁠ Find out more about ⁠Property Hub Invest